Comments

RonInOhio

Everybody is sorry in front of the judge. Their lawyer tells them to act sorry. They are sorry they got caught! Does Vienna have a policy on this? That's the end of the discussion really. Either they follow policy or get a policy. Assuming someone out there actually "knows" people that can make this "go away", you're worse than Mr. Thornton ever could hope to be. I'd rather deal with drunks all day long than corrupt people. Drunks are just cursed with a thinking disorder. Corruption is the slippery slope you jumped on a sled to ride and giggled all the way down. You should be ashamed you even said it, but, of course you are corrupt.

sue123

Observant

To Coolbeans: You are right with your commentary, actually, he is not that great of a guy in my opinion, actually, as I was reading the article I was wondering why a 60 year old plus man is out at 2:00 a.m intoxicated, why he is not at home in bed with his wife???.....And yes, when you get pulled over by law enforcement you are to be cooperative, and not act out. Just ecause you cooperate does not grant you a "free pass".

localyokel

Everyone wants to persecute a Vienna city councilman for a DUI and want his resignation but US Senator Mike Crapo R-Idaho appears in court, pleads guilty, apologizes and continues his job as a US Senator.

BakerKat

I will give him this - he did stand up and say I messed up, and he was sorry. How often do you get that from a politician? They usually blame someone else or use their pull to get out of it - he did neither. I don't know the guy but he seems to be a stand-up guy and I give him credit for that. I am so sick of people today - no one owns up to their mistakes - always acting like its someone else's fault. Its a pleasure to see someone who can actually accept blame AND apologize.

Observant

MakinMulah

It's a law and nobody's perfect. Why is the message board making a big deal out of it? We all are encouraged to do a little more when influenced. Why he has INFLUENCE ARMOR because he works for Vienna?

randyb110

he is just a human being like the rest of us, we all make mistakes, and we all have lapse in judgement, should it matter that he is a counilman ,i don't know him personally but i am sure he regret's his mistake so i say forgive and forget!

MisterT

slingblade

I meant to say A or B...I didnt insinuate both. Again..****e on people..just call a cab...or..most people dont drink alone...call your buddy a cab and pay the $15 if needed. .08 is basically smelling a beer...dont roll the dice...it isnt worth it.

MadAsHeck

He can resign, make a clear attempt to rectify whatever personal flaw lead him to the point where he was DUI, then run again and let the voters decide if he's worthy to hold the position again. That would be honorable. He's an elected public official that made a terrible decision that endangered the lives of every man, woman, and child on the road when he was driving drunk.

slingblade

Nobody said we are all perfect...we are saying when you make a decision to run for PUBLIC office then when you make a decision to break the law then people are going to judge you..he may be a great guy, etc. etc...that being said...if he wants to repair his public image then he should A) resign B) show the people who voted for him he is making a good faith effort to correct his bad judgement by taking a alochol program for offenders (which he seems to be based on the evidence and his own admission)...the people of Vienna can forgive him..however..the people of Vienna don't want to be duped.

MadAsHeck

Realone

Wow, how quick some people are to pass judgment on a person's character for one offense. I believe Mr. Thornton stated that he is taking full responsibility, no favors are being asked for. After a record of service that is over 25 years long, where he has participated in events that have saved the city tens of thousands of dollars, brought about countless benefits to the residents, helped untold people, it amazes me that some people can be so small minded. It must be nice to have never made any mistakes in one's life. I for one can forgive this and hope he doesn't consider leaving the city government, Vienna needs his knowledge and dedication.

slingblade

A charleston prosecutor has been fired by the DA because they were arrested for DUI. Elected officials who make policies for people in the community are held to a higher standard and they know that when they run for the job. One has to question the decision making ability of somebody who knows the law and makes a conscious decision to not follow it, how much would a cab cost, maybe $15. He should voluntarily resign OR a the very least enter into a alcohol treatment/awareness program to show good faith to the community he understands what he has done and he is making every effort to better himself.

RonInOhio

I'm confused by most of these comments. This is not a private citizen. He's someone that ran for public office and by default, is under public scrutiny. I don't think he should have to resign, but, he certainly has to make an effort to let people know he's no longer misbehaving. Ask anyone that's been busted for drunk driving. They will tell you that this is not the first time they did it. Most will tell you they did it hundreds of times. This could have easily been yet another tragedy. West Virginia, by the way, has the highest rate of drunken driving in the US. Congratulations for reinforcing it Mr. Thornton! So anyway, some of you need to read about something other than the lastest American Idol results. Regular everyday people lose their jobs over DUIs. Many companies have a zero tolerance policy for this behavior. When you fill out a job application and report a DUI, you can pretty much count on not getting a call-back.

Itsnottolate

I think the deputy stated the car was swerving back and forth, and the cruisers have cameras in them so its probably on video. Oh wait, that can't be so because Aaron knows, he is so smart! Not guilty, because Aaron said so. How about a new reality show, Judge Aaron.

AaronL

Guilty until proven innocent in the court of media;ONCE MORE. Wasn't there a write up just a few days ago about the fallibility of the Intoxilyzer 8000 just a few days ago? I DO have to raise a brow,since Schaad used to be a Vienna city cop; could everything not be as it seems?